5 Ways To Stay Productive When Working From Home

We need to pay the bills, so we need to work, right? However, if you are one of the many people who are sick of the 9 to 5 treadmill, or has children to look after, you may prefer to work from home. There are loads of jobs where this is possible, cutting down on the daily commute that a lot of us find intolerable. However, working from home isn’t as easy as you would imagine. You need to create a routine that helps you to stay productive, and not distracted by the tv downstairs, or the lure of an extra hour in bed. Here are a few tips to help you.

Get into work mode

This may sound silly, but get dressed in work attire, rather than rolling into your home office in your pajamas. You need to get in the mindset to work, so the appropriate dress will help you stay focused. Be sure to get a shower before you start for the day, too, and remember to clean your teeth. You need to do everything you normally would, making sure you feel refreshed, and ready for the day ahead.

Set work hours

You may have more flexibility in the hours you work during the day, but you still need to set boundaries. You will want to spend time with family and friends, as well as having the time to relax alone. So, set hours in the day that are devoted to working, and hours where you are free to carry out the rest of your daily life. Ensure your family know your boundaries, too.

Have a dedicated working area

Unfortunately, working from your bed isn’t going to help your productivity, so set up a dedicated work area in your home. Choose a place you can feel comfortable in, and away from any distractions. You will probably need a desk and a chair to sit on, so consider this Scandinavian office furniture. A mini fridge stocked with bottles of water is a good idea, keeping you hydrated throughout the day, and a plant can act as a great stress reliever when you’re working. Have everything you need to hand, reducing the need to leave the room where possible distractions await.

Remove distractions

You won’t get a lot of work done if you are constantly checking Facebook, or answering your phone every five minutes because your friend is in the mood for a gossip. Turn your phone off, politely ask your friends not to bother you at certain times of the day, and only use the internet for work purposes. You may be working from home, but you still need to have a professional attitude to ensure you get your work done to schedule.

Take regular breaks

We all need a break, so don’t stay confined in your working space all day, even during your ‘office hours.’ You will need time to give your eyes a rest from your computer, and you do need to stay hydrated and have the occasional nutritious snack to keep you going. Set a time for lunch, and make an excuse to go outside and get some fresh air. You will feel better for it, and your mind will have cleared, enabling you to get back to work anew.